Caleb Porter has added three players to the MLS All-Star roster to replace the players that withdrew from the game against Bayern Munich.

The league announced on Saturday that Seattle Sounders center back Chad Marshall and LA Galaxy’s Robbie Keane and Omar Gonzalez have withdrawn from the roster. Porter selected D.C. United’s Bobby Boswell and Sean Franklin and Philadelphia Union’s Maurice Edu.

Porter stated that Keane and Gonzalez withdrew because of an upcoming game and Marshall has to sit out because of an injury.

“Given the limited minutes that Omar and Robbie would need to play due to having a game on Friday and the injury to Chad, I felt we needed to bring in Sean, Bobby and Maurice to provide us with more cover in the back,” Portland Timber’s head coach said in a statement. “This will also allow us to manage the other players’ time so everyone is ready for their matches on the weekend.”

Marshall, who I predicted would have been a starter, missed the Monday night game against the Galaxy and won’t feature in Saturday’s game against San Jose Earthquakes. The towering center back sustained a back injury in a minor car accident last week.

Veterans Edu and Boswell should transition smoothly into the team. Edu, who has played most of his career as a defensive midfielder, could be used as a center back. The 28-year-old has excelled in that position under Jim Curtin.

The 2007 Rookie of the Year has successfully revived his career in Philadelphia. In 19 appearances, he’s scored three goals and assisted two.

Since he joined United, Boswell has been superb. The 2006 MLS Defender of the Year is on track to win the award again. His leadership and experience is a big reason why United is tied with Sporting Kansas City and San Jose for the second best defense in MLS.

Boswell has also been effective in the offensive end. He has one goal and two assist in 20 appearances.

His first assist helped D.C. pick up a point against a gritty Chicago Fire side and his second assist setup the game winning goal against Eastern Conference foe New York Red Bulls.

His only goal this season was a game-winning goal aginst FC Dallas. With the game tied at 1-1, the 31-year-old hammered a loose ball past the helpless goalkeeper.

Once again, Porter decided to not select Dom Dwyer. The Sporting KC leading scorer would have been the perfect replacement for Keane.

Instead of Dwyer, Porter chose to bolster his defense with Franklin. The former Galaxy right-back will serve as Deandre Yedlin’s backup and will probably patrol the right flank in the second period of the All-Star game. Even though the 29-year-old’s occasional lapse in concentration is worrisome, his speed allows him to recover swiftly.

After six successful seasons in Carson, CA, Franklin joined United in December 2013. The 2008 MLS Rookie of the Year has featured in 15 games, scoring one goal and assisting another. He also has one international cap under his belt.

About Shay Awosiyan

I'm a broadcast journalism student at the University of Oklahoma. I'm a sports enthusiast, with an uncontrollable love for soccer. I am a devoted follower of international football, MLS, EPL, Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, NBA, NFL and many more. Follow me on twitter @THESHAY11.